“The sixth state reform adds additional complexity to the Belgian institutional structure and distribution of powers. It is, therefore, time to question the distinction between communities and regions. A new state structure based on one type of federated states, similar to other federal countries like Germany, Switzerland and the U.S., would substantially contribute to more transparency.”

Alea iacta est. On 6 December2011, 541 days after the elections and with the world record of government formation, the government of Prime Minister Di Rupo took the oath. Negotiations of almost a year and a half had led to the so-called “Butterfly Agreement” on the sixth state reform. This agreement mainly laid the foundations for a transfer of powers worth 20 billion euros from the federal level to the federated states (regions and communities). Now that the agreement has been converted into legislation and is being implemented on the level of the states, it is the right moment to take a closer look at the transfer of powers.

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